Self-identifying as a hermit, the isolation is heaven to me. I have not left my property in more than 6 months!!! I have no idea what the world looks like on the outside other than from what I see on TV and online. However, I've been busy that entire time working 2 jobs. My business is essential service so we've been open the whole time. My business is on our property so no need to go elsewhere. Because we are tourism related somewhat business has been slower so I picked up more tutoring jobs (I tutor for the county's adult learning program). I tutor via Zoom or other online means. The rest of the time I've been busy seeking financial assistance to stay afloat during these devastating and unpredictable times. Oh yes, we've decided to use only one of our vehicles for the time being to reduce insurance costs. Since I can't drive the SO's massive truck, he gets to be the one to go out and fetch mail and necessities.

I had planned on taking online courses, reading/listening to books, and playing the piano my friend had given me for free. But alas, I've been much too busy. Mind you, we live on 17.5 acres of rural land with our 50 plus pets and numerous and varied wildlife occupying our fields, woods, and pond. So I don't ever feel the need to go anywhere else. I do understand the wildfire situation though. Last year, the smoke was so bad it looked like we were living on Mars, the sky was so red and hazy.

I keep reminding myself there are worse things than being alone .....

Like being in bad company with no means of escape!! .... Yup! WORSE!!! Definitely worse!

Pandemic does nothing to change my isolation position. Now, more people have a little bit of an ideal of my life. No freedom to do things I would like to have freedom to do.

By volunteering

I love being alone, so I'm good. The stigma of being a hermit is removed during the pandemic, as it's actually seen as virtuous to keep to myself as much as I do.

The air is clear where I am, so I do go out to enjoy food and music, the beach, walks and I chat with neighbors at the pool in our complex. I actually have time to enjoy my life, since I'm hardly working at all lately.

I've got no neighbors below me, so nobody can hear me practicing hula or rocking out dancing to my favorite tunes. I haven't gotten bored yet!

Not feeling all that isolated… Just got home from helping friends move a wood stove, all with masks, till the beer arrived.. Big group gathering last weekend distributing (and waving) Biden/ Harris signs. Delivered a shitload of them to individuals the week before, meeting some fantastic people … at a distance.

Cruise around on my motorcycle (too much) often.. Still looking for a ‘fit woman’ to help me determine if ‘one would fit’ between my back seat and ‘top box.’ This shit’s not slowing me down … sat with a neighbor this evening, compared our mowing jobs (both mowed today), before handing off another Biden/ Harris sign. I’m gonna make 2020 count if it kills me!

I've been socially isolated pretty much my whole life. It really didn't take much to get used to life during a pandemic. It's probably the only apocalyptic scenario in which I'll do alright.

Now, when the zombie pandemic happens I won't make it for very long. I'm slow, fat, and probably very tender and delicious.

I really haven't felt terribly isolated. Especially now that school has started and I'm
helping the 7 year old with 2nd grade.
Ever since school closed in March, I've pretty much had my hands full daily.

I'm rebuilding a house whoopee

I have a lot of work-at-home-new job to keep me busy, ebay store, facebook, my mom, and this forum. I have friends to watch movies/ videos/shows in chat rooms/fb with. It's hard though.

I exercise in the morning and dance the rest of the day and play with and CARE for the little one and Frankie too.. Sometimes we have a little picnic in Central park away from others on the grass...

i keep trying to elevate my mood with McDonald's Happy Meals.

Sounds like you’re compensating the best you can.

I've worked two jobs basically the entire time. My regular job and I've helped a not for profit fix their books. The gal that they fired was fired with more than good reason. I thought they were the worst mess I'd ever seen until my current assignment with the "real" job. Now I know there are many that are a mess. At least the not for profit is remote.

I've walked almost daily....a mile or two, depends if I feel like going around the block twice or once. It's a BIG block .

What little time remains has been spent crocheting, reading, puzzling, playing guitar, fixing a cedar chest, and helping my son work on an antique (66) oldsmobile.

People are coping with this?

You seem to be doing well, those details help us a lot. I treat myself to a cup of espresso once or twice a day and really enjoy the aroma, the taste sip by sip; I put upbeat music, a little dance going to the kitchen and back. Then Agnostic on a daily basis, documentaries, some good shows, a book. On the good side I have the company of my wife and son, but on the bad side they both lost their jobs. I try to find or make myself happy moments, day by day...

I am an outlier.

Growing up, my siblings were older (7 and 9 years) so psychologically I am an only child; they were rarely around and I have almost no memory of them. I learned to enjoy my own company, and I have an active mind and a high level of intellectual curiosity. I read a lot then, and still do.

Fast forward to today. I already worked from home, and while I enjoy company when I worked in an office I found most of the conversations inane. I don't miss them. I am used to being with myself, like my own company. I did miss the gym, but it is now reopened for outdoor workouts.

So net, I don't need to do anything. I am fine, and have been throughout. I am fortunate.

Friday nights I try and catch Beaker Street - 60-70's Classic Rock radio program live online from Arkansas with the original DJ "Clyde Clifford" playing the best music ever recorded - not sure what he played - maybe Santana or Jethro Tull? ...but I was having a little wine and cheese and dancing alone in my kitchen - while waiting for my pickles in the canner on the stove...

I spend a lot of time interacting with people online, here and elsewhere. Lots of video phone calls. I take people on live video tours in my car.

At home I'm alone bur my wife is finally returning from Wuhan, China on 10/11. I drive for Uber and have seldom felt lonely or isolated.

I have an older friend who is isolating at his cabin on a nearby creek. He has this amazing hobby where he electrocutes wood to add lightning bolt like burn patterns. I have been bringing him food and woodworking supplies (stain, polyurethane, etc) in exchange for wood burning lessons. I believe these lessons may have inspired my next side hustle. I just need to budget in a few tools and some supplies of my own.